FROM ISRAEL: BEYOND KNOWING

I’ve written about this before and feel called to write about it again in this brief posting: I cannot begin to explain it, but I have seen time and time again that the people who are killed in terror attacks are special people.

This is certainly true with regard to Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was taken down in a hail of bullets by Palestinian Arab terrorists on Tuesday night. The comments from family and friends regarding the sort of person he was are not only touching – they reinforce the realization that his death is a great loss for his family, his community, and for Israel.

He was “a man of grace, a man of Torah and a friend. All who knew him loved him, and loved him deeply,” said Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council. While Chief Rabbi David Lau described Rabbi Shevach as a “unique, affable and rare character” who “devoted his life to saving lives, teaching Torah and safeguarding Judaism in the Land of Israel.”

We say of the deceased: May his memory be for a blessing. There is no question about the fact that this will be the case here.

Credit: Miri Tzachi

But I believe that more is required, if the rabbi’s memory is to be properly honored.

We are called upon to strengthen ourselves, and act with devotion and determination on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. My concern is that words of dedication will be spoken now, in the time of mourning, and not fulfilled as life normalizes. We cannot let that happen.

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